A leading member of Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has sharply criticized a former state governor for his endorsement of a political rival. Bode George, a prominent PDP chieftain, expressed his disappointment with Ayo Fayose, a former governor of Ekiti State, for publicly backing the re-election of Biodun Oyebanji, the incumbent governor of Ekiti State and a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
George’s comments came after Fayose, who served as governor of Ekiti State from 2014 to 2018, praised Oyebanji for doing an “exceedingly well” job. Fayose stated that it would take a “miracle” for the PDP to defeat Oyebanji in the 2026 governorship election. According to George, Fayose’s endorsement of Oyebanji is a clear indication that he has abandoned the PDP and is now working with the opposition party.
“If it is true that Governor Fayose openly rejected the party and stated that he is going to work for the APC governor, he has defined his direction,” George said. “The PDP will investigate this matter and decide whether to take disciplinary action against him.”
George emphasized that it is unacceptable for a prominent PDP member like Fayose to openly support a rival party’s candidate. “Ayo knows that you cannot say you are a member of this party and a former two-term governor of a party to now say you are working openly for the governor of the opposition party. Something is wrong,” George added.
Fayose had claimed that he was simply being realistic about the PDP’s chances in the upcoming election, citing the party’s internal crisis in Ekiti State. However, George argued that the PDP’s crisis is not insurmountable and that party members should prioritize the party’s interest over personal interests. He appealed to PDP members to stop airing their differences in public and instead focus on resolving their internal conflicts.
The PDP has been struggling to regain power since losing the presidential election in 2015. The party’s internal crisis has been a major obstacle to its recovery, with different factions vying for control. Fayose’s endorsement of Oyebanji has further complicated the party’s situation, highlighting the deep divisions within the PDP.
As the 2026 election approaches, the PDP faces a daunting task in trying to unite its members and present a united front against the ruling APC. The party’s ability to resolve its internal crisis and present a credible challenge to the APC will be crucial in determining the outcome of the election.